Holder for loose-leaf memo paper



May 21-, 1940. c. E. WALTON HOLDER FOR LOOSE-LEAF MEMO PAPER Filed Jan. 28, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Ce cv/E .h a/fofl 3: D. 7 AW ATTORNEY May 21, 1940.

c. E. WALTON HOLDER FOR LOOSE-LEAF MEMO PAPER Filed Jan. 28, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 E 2- INVENTOR.

' Ceci/E h d/fofi ATTORNEY.

Patented May 21, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

My invention pertains to a desk memo writing device and more particularly to a loose-leaf memo paper holder.

It is an object of my invention to provide an improved memo paper holding frame which is thin, durable, ornamental and which may be constructed of any suitable material, for holding a thin pad of loose-leaf memo paper fiat on a desk and especially adapted to provide for convenience in writing on the paper and detaching the same one sheet at a time.

It is also an object of my invention to provide a loose-leaf memo paper holder of the above type having in combination a thin easily replaceable friction means on the bottom thereof to secure the paper holder firmly and flatly upon a smooth desk top to facilitate writing upon the paper and detaching the same one sheet at a time with one hand, while the other hand of the writer is employed for some other purpose such as holding a telephone.

It is a further object of my invention to provide such a memo paper holder wherein the flat friction means provided on the bottom thereof comprises spaced stretching members or prongs having elastic rubber bands stretched therebetween across the bottom of the paper holder.

Another object of my invention is to provide a loose-leaf memo paper holder of the above type wherein the paper holding and dispensing means and the holding members for the friction material may all be constructed conveniently and cheaply of sheet metal concealing all sharp edges and points which might injure either the writer or the desk.

A further object of my invention is to provide such a loose-leaf paper holder in which the paper holding and dispensing frame and the friction material holding means may all be made of a single unitary sheet of metal.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of my invention, such as relate to the arrangement and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification in conjunction with the drawings disclosing embodiments of my invention, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of my loose-leaf memo desk pad and writing set;

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view thereof;

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view thereof partially in section along line 33 as shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view on line 44 thereof;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail view;

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing how a blank may be cut and folded for making my paper holder of a single piece of sheet metal;

Fig. '7 is a plan view of another embodiment of my loose-leaf memo paper holder;

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view taken on line 8-8 thereof;

Fig. 9 is a bottom plan view showing the arrangement of the friction holding means thereon;

Fig. 10 'is a side elevational view thereof partially sectioned as shown by line Ill-Ill in Fig. 9; 1

Fig. 11 is a plan view showing another embodiment of my loose-leaf memo paper holder;

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken on line l2l2; I

Fig. 13 is a bottom plan View showing the arrangement of the flat friction holding means thereon; and

Fig. 14 is a side elevational view partially sectioned as shown by the line I l-4d in Fig. l3.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 through 5 of the drawings, my loose-leaf memo paper holder and dispenser comprises a base 3, which is of a flat rectangular conformation, having upstanding frame enclosing elements 5, 6 and 7 around the four edges thereof. The side elements 5, 6 and l are suitably rounded to provide a smooth ornamental frame or molding free from sharp edges and points, and defining a frame for receiving and holding a thin stack of loose-leaf memo paper 9.

The side frame elements 5 provide smooth inner surfaces adjacent the paper 9 to facilitate removal of the paper, one sheet at a time, and these side elements have elongated socket openings H which open toward the bottom, as shown in Fig. 3, for a purpose to be subsequently described.

The end frame elements 5 and 'l have ledges l3 and M, which are turned inwardly in spaced relation from the base 3 to overlap the ends of the stack of loose-leaf memo paper 9 for holding the sheets of paper in place when writing thereon.

To facilitate comfort to the hand while writing on the paper receiving frame is rather shallow, as shown, for receiving a thin stack of paper 9 which is thus supported flatly upon the top of the desk. For example a thickness of not more than or A" has been found very suitable.

One of the overlapping ledges i4 is extended inwardly an appreciable distance, as shown, and on the central portion thereof a pencil or pen holder 15 is angularly secured by afastening member, such as a screw ll, extending downwardly through the base 3 of the paper holder. The pencil holding socket !5 may be of a conical conformation converging into a spherical pedestal l9 and having a pencil receiving aperture 2! in the axis of the cone. By inserting an apertured spacing member 23 concentrically on the screw ll between the base 3 of the paper holder and the extended ledge 54, the arrangement of the pencil holding socket thereon serves also to strengthen and secure the extended ledge M.

The elongated sockets I l opening from the bottom sides of the side frame elements are each of a suitable size for receivingan elongated rubber stretching member or rod 25 in firm snugly seated relation therein. For this purpose the width of the downwardly'opening mouth 26 of each socket II is preferably reduced relative to the interior of the socket, as shown inFig/B, so the rubber holding rod 25 can be snapped securely therein.

Friction holding means 21 is stretched flatly across the bottom 3 of the paper holder between the rods-25 secured in the sockets spaced on opposite sides. Although a single rubber membrane may be utilized as a frictional surface engaging element, I preferably utilize for this purpose two elastic rubber bands 2'! which are stretched across the bottom of the memo paper holder adjacent each end thereof, as shown more clearly in Fig. 2. To receive the rubber bandsz'l, each stretching rod 25 is provided with a reduced portion 29 adjacent each end, as shown more clearly in Fig. 5. Each stretching rod 25 is also provided with terminal apertures M for conveniently receiving the end of a pick (not shown) to facilitate removal of the rods for installing or replacing the rubber bands 21.

It will be understood that my loose-leaf memo paper holder may be made of any suitable material, molded or otherwise. However, I preferably utilize sheet metal for this purpose of any suit able metal of a gauge selected to provide the desired strength and rigidity. For example, soft brass about .025 inch thick has proven very satisfactory.

To make my improved memo pad holder of sheet metal, a blank 33 is cut out, as shown in Fig. 6, comprising the substantially rectangular base portion 3 having a pair of side wings and a pair of end Wings extending therefrom. To form the paper holder, the wings of the blank are then bent along the dotted lines in suitable dies, jigs and the like in any suitable manner well known to those skilled in the art of sheet metal working.

When the blank 33 has been suitably bent, the portion enclosed between the dotted lines 35 and 31 of the side wings, form the side frame elements 5 for receiving the paper, and the next adjacent portions between the dotted lines 3! and 39 turns outwardly to form the rounded outer surface thereof. The portion between the outermost edge 4| of each side wing and the adjacent dotted line 39 is the downwardly turned edge 26 which forms the elongated socket I l opening in the bottom.

The end wings of the blank turn up along the dotted lines 33 to form the end frame enclosing elements, and the upturned edges are turned inwardly along dotted lines to form the ledges l3 and I4 which are spaced from the base 3 for overlapping and securing theends of the sheets of the loose-leaf paper.

The large end wing forms the extended ledge i4, and interlocking notches 4'! are cut in the ends thereof for mutually engaging and locking under suitably curved ends 49 of the side frame elements. When folded, the interlocking notches 47 on the larger end wing fit under and around the curved ends 49 of the side elements, as more clearly shown in Fig. 1. This arrangement aids in securing the extended ledge l4 firmly in its folded position. My loose-leaf memo paper holder is thus conveniently constructed of a single sheet'of metal, and it may be made to receive loose-leaf paper of anysuitable size desired.

In use a thin stack of loose-leaf memo paper of a-suitable size is inserted into the paper receiving frame by buckling it up to slide the ends of the 'paper sheets under the end ledges l3 and M which overlap the base 3.

The frame, which is flat and shallow, rests upon the friction rubber bands 2'! which are stretched tightly across the bottom of the paper holder, and the paper is thus held flatly and securely upon the desk top in a convenient position for writing.

When the writer wishes to remove the top sheet of loose-leaf memo paper, this is conveniently accomplished by applying one finger to slide the holder and dispenser, shown in Figs. 7 through 10,

is a simplified construction. In accordance with this embodiment of my invention, a flat remangular base 5!, of sheet metal, has the four edges thereof bent up to provide four frame enclosing elements 53, and 5'! comprising a melding of rounded contour having substantially uniform width on all four sides. The edges of the two side elements 53 are rolled outwardly and down,

whereby smooth inside surfaces are provided with smoothly rounded outer surfaces to freely receive a pad of loose-leaf paper 59 therein, as shown in Fig. 8. The upturned edges of the two end elements 55 and 5'! are turned inwardly to provide ledges 5! overlapping the base 5! in spaced parallel relation for receiving and securing the of the sheets of the loose-leaf memo paper 59, as shown most clearly in Fig. 10.

Spaced friction material securing members are provided by stamping out spaced pairs of fingers on prongs integral with the base 5!. The pairs of rubber stretching prongs 65 comprise conveniently spaced members for receiving frictional elastic rubber bands 67 stretched there between in snug relation across the bottom surface of the base. Notches G9 are provided in the outer edges of the prongs for receiving the bands 6'! and securing the same in place thereon, and the prongs are preferably distorted slightly below the bottom surface of the base, as shown in Figs. '8 and 10.

As will be understood, the prongs E5 may be suitably formed from the base for stretching the rubber bands either crosswise or lengthwise. However, the arrangement of the prongs to stretch the rubber bands lengthwise, as shown, is prelerable as it provides a longer surface of each rubber band for contact with the smooth top of a desk, thus providing greater friction and also protecting the desk top from direct contact with the bottom of the paper holder.

A finger hole H is provided in the center of one of the end frame elements and its overhanging ledge 6!. This embodiment of my loose-leaf memo paper is loaded with paper and utilized in the same manner and with the same advantages as previously described with reference to the first embodiment.

When the paper is charged into the frame of this embodiment of my device, a card may be placed in the bottom to cover the apertures 73 surrounding the prongs 65, if desired, however, this is not necessary as paper usually'has sulficient stiffness to bridge the small apertures. It will be seen that this embodiment of my invention is of a very simplified construction which may be readily formed from a single unitary sheet of metal.

In Figs. 11 through 14, I have shown another embodiment of my memo paper holder comprising a base having frame enclosing side elements TI and 59 formed around the four edges thereof, in a manner similar to that previously described. In this embodiment, a separately formed pedestal member 8! is secured to the bottom of the base, in any suitable manner, as by rivets 83 passing therethrough, or spot welding may be utilized if desired.

The pedestal member 8| preferably comprises a substantially rectangular element, which may be made of sheet metal, having a slot cut 85 inwardly in each long side adjacent each end whereby four prongs 87 are provided in spaced relation. Each prong has a notch 89 cut in the outermost edge to receive and hold rubber bands 9| which are stretched therebetween. Also the prongs are slightly bent downwardly, as shown in Figs. 12 and 14, to facilitate installing and securing the frictional rubber bands thereon. This embodiment of my paper holding device may be conveniently made of various materials, as will be readily understood, and it is utilized similarly to the previously described embodiments.

It will be seen that I have provided a looseleaf memo paper holder and dispenser with replaceable friction surface holding means and which is of a simple rugged ornamental construction, especially convenient both to manufacture and use.

It is apparent that within the scope of my invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

I claim:

1. A loose-leaf paper holder comprising, a baseof substantially flat rectangular conformation, said base having upstanding frame enclosing elements around the four edges thereof for receiving and holding loose-leaf paper, the frame enclosing elements at the ends of said base having turned in ledges to overlap the ends of the looseleaf paper for holding the same, spaced apart members on said paper holder for receiving and securing rubber friction means, and thin rubber friction means stretched across the bottom of said paper holder between said members for providing a thin high friction surface to secure the paper holder stationary on a smooth surface while writing upon or removing individual sheets of the loose-leaf paper.

2. A paper holder for holding a thin stack of loose-leaf memo paper flat on a desk comprising, a sheet metal base of substantially flat rectangular conformation, the four edges ofsaid base being turned upwardly to define a rectangular frame for receiving and holding a stack of loose-leaf paper, the turned up edges at the ends of said base being turned in to overlap and hold the ends of the loose paper sheets, the turned up edges along the sides of said base being turned outwardly and down toward the plane of the base to provide rounded frame sides with smooth inner surfaces adjacent the paper and also to form elongated hollow sockets opening toward the bottom of the holder; a pair of elongated rod-like members each of a suitable size for fitting snugly into one of said hollow,

sockets on opposite sides of the bottom of the holder, and thin rubber means stretched between said members across the bottom of said paper holder to provide flat engaging means having a high coefficient of friction for supporting the paper holder.

3. A loose-leaf paper holder and dispenser comprising, a unitary sheet of metal having end wings turned up and in for receiving and overlapping the ends of sheets of loose-leaf paper, side wings turned up to provide smooth side elements for freely receiving and releasing loose sheets of paper, the intermediate portion of said unitary sheet of metal forming a substantially flat base, and prongs depressed from said base and integral therewith for stretching frictional rubber holding elements flatly across the bottom of said base.

4. A paper holder and dispenser for holding a thin stack of loose-leaf memo paper flat on a desk comprising, a sheet metal base of substantially rectangular conformation having upturned side edges defining a frame for receiving looseleaf memo paper, the turned up edges at the ends of the base being turned in to overlap and hold the ends of the loose paper sheets, members depressed from the bottom surface of said base and integral therewith, and rubber bands stretched over said members to provide a thin high friction surface 6n the bottom of said paper holder for securing the paper holder. stationary on a smooth surface while individual sheets of the loose-leaf paper are removed therefrom.

5. A paper holder and dispenser for holding a thin stack of loose-leaf memo paper flat on a desk comprising, a sheet metal base of substantially rectangular conformation having upturned side edges defining a frame for receiving looseleaf memo paper, the turned up edges at the ends of the base being turned in to overlap and hold the ends of the loose paper sheets, four spaced apart members depressed from the bottom surface of said base and integral therewith, and rubber bands stretched over said stretching members in spaced relation to provide a thin high friction surface on the bottom of said paper holder for securing the paper holder stationary on a smooth surface while individual sheets of the loose-leaf paper are removed therefrom.

6. A loose-leaf memo paper holder comprising, a substantially fiat base having means for receiving and holding loose-leaf paper, a pedestal member, means securing said pedestal member to the bottom of said base, pairs of spaced prongs projecting laterally and downwardly from said pedestal member, and rubber bands stretched across under the bottom of said base between said pairs of spaced prongs for securing said paper holder to a smooth surface to facilitate zvriting and removal of loose-leaf paper thererom.

-7. 'A loose-leaf memo paper holder comprising,

a flat loose-leaf paperholding device of sheet metal for receiving and detachably holding looseleaf paper, a pedestal member of sheet metal, means attaching said pedestal member to the bottom of said device, a pair of spaced prongs projecting laterally and downwardly from said pedestal member, a rubber band stretched between said pair of prongs for securing said device on a smooth surface to facilitate writing on andremoval of loose-leaf paper from the paper holding device.

8. In combination, a fiat bottomed paper holder for holding a thin stack of loose-leaf paper flat on a desk, holding means on the bottom of said paper holder comprising elongated hollow sockets opening toward the bottom of the holder in spaced apart relation, a pair of elongated rods each of a suitable shape and size for fitting snugly into one of said hollow sockets, and thin rubber means stretched between said rods across the bottom of said paper holder.

CECIL E. WALTON. 

